Hot Topics:

Rockies' Weiss believes Helton to return

New manager feels veteran 1B can still hit

By Troy E. Renck The Denver Post

Posted:
12/04/2012 10:58:47 PM MST

Updated:
12/04/2012 10:58:57 PM MST

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Walt Weiss emerged from the Rockies' suite at the Opryland Resort with his wit intact. Facing several cameras and a battery of reporters, he admitted Tuesday, "If you don't know, I haven't done this before."

At ease and confident, Weiss touched on several topics in his first national address as Rockies manager, including the healthy returns of shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and first baseman Todd Helton, regaining an advantage at Coors Field with an "overwhelming offense," and having young pitchers take strides forward.

Helton, the most accomplished player in Rockies history, has not decided if he will return for the final year of his contract. He underwent hip surgery in August and has been encouraged by the way his leg has responded during workouts. Weiss talked to his former teammate recently, encouraging him to come back.

"I told him he could hit the ball in the gap when he's 52, so I don't want to hear him talking about how he can't hit," Weiss said.

Tulowitzki has finally been cleared for full activity nearly five months after undergoing surgery on his left groin. He hopes to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Weiss believes he can relate to Tulo's situation well, having played shortstop at altitude through numerous injuries.

"Maybe we can be kindred spirits. I know what he's gone through," Weiss said. "We need to keep him on the field. It's about taking your best shot every night and he gives us our best shot. He's a game changer.

Advertisement

"

Weiss understands the challenge of Coors Field. But he's confronting the issue head-on, talking about developing a mental toughness.

"It should be the best home-field advantage in the game," Weiss said.

How can that transpire? Obviously, the Rockies have to pitch better, starting with the starters outlasting their opponents. The Rockies were the worst in the big leagues by any measure a year ago. But they also have to create fear in opponents with a relentless attack.

"We are going to try to put together an overwhelming offense," said Weiss, referencing the 1990s Rockies' teams that put pressure on teams with power and speed.

Weiss is intrigued by his potential lineup. While players will compete for starting jobs at second base and third base, the Rockies have plenty of outfield options and a "star at catcher" in Wilin Rosario.

"He's a phenomenal athlete, and he's going to only get better defensively," Weiss said. "I truly believe he can be a star in this game."

Notable

The Rockies on Tuesday night acquired reliever Wilton Lopez and a player to be named later or cash from the Houston Astros for pitcher Alex White and a pitcher to be named who is not on the Rockies' 40-man roster.

Local duo joining overseas exhibition excursionFilippo Swartz went to Italy, where his mother was born and he spent the first year or so of his life, every summer until he had to stick around to be a part of summer football activities for the Longmont High School team. Full Story

MacIntyre says the completed project will be best in Pac-12There were bulldozers, hard hats, mud, concrete trucks, blueprints, mud, cranes, lots of noise and, uh, mud, during the last recruiting cycle when Colorado football coach Mike MacIntyre brought recruits to campus. Full Story

Most people don't play guitar like Grayson Erhard does. That's because most people can't play guitar like he does. The guitarist for Fort Collins' Aspen Hourglass often uses a difficult two-hands-on-the-fretboard technique that Eddie Van Halen first popularized but which players such as Erhard have developed beyond pop-rock vulgarity.
Full Story